Gemotions

Maya found the small, leather-bound book lying open on her roommate Chloe’s desk. Her stomach lurched. It was *her* journal. She froze, fingers twitching, the air suddenly thick and hard to breathe.

Chloe hummed, oblivious, while carefully painting her nails. “Hey, do you mind if I borrow that pen of yours? I can’t find mine.”

Maya mumbled something incoherent, backing away slowly, as if she were afraid to spook Chloe. Her chest was tight, and a cold dread seeped into her bones. She couldn't meet Chloe's gaze, feigning interest in a poster across the room.

Her mind raced. What had Chloe seen? Did she laugh? Did she judge? The questions hammered at her skull, a relentless, painful rhythm.